A Nation in Conflict
The film begins by placing viewers in the midst of a historical struggle. Archival footage from the 1950s and 1960s shows law enforcement officers storming gay bars, detaining patrons, and criminalizing identity. It is a stark reminder of a society that had long punished people for being themselves. The film then cuts to a press conference on November 27, 1978, where Dianne Feinstein, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, solemnly announces the assassination of both Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.
Interwoven throughout the narrative are recordings of Milk’s last will and testament, made on November 18, 1978. These intimate moments are shared nine days before his death, revealing a man fully aware of the risks his visibility attracted—and the danger he lived with daily.
A New Beginning in San Francisco
The story then moves backward to 1970, the night before Harvey Milk’s 40th birthday. At that time, he was living in New York City, feeling unfulfilled and stagnant. It was there that he met Scott Smith, a younger man who would soon become his romantic partner and emotional support. Seeking a more open environment, the couple moved to San Francisco in pursuit of freedom and community.
They settled in Eureka Valley, a conservative neighborhood on the cusp of transformation. There, they opened Castro Camera, a photography shop that quickly evolved into a community hub for the local gay population. Although hostility from longtime residents persisted, Milk began to find his voice—not just as a shop owner, but as a leader.
As Milk became more involved in activism, his political ambitions grew. He became a mentor to young activists like Cleve Jones and frequently challenged the cautious approaches of the established gay political figures. Smith originally supported Milk’s endeavors, even managing his early campaigns, but over time grew weary of Milk’s deepening devotion to politics. Their relationship eventually came to an end.
In the wake of that heartbreak, Milk entered into a new relationship with Jack Lira, a kind but emotionally unstable man. Unfortunately, the pressures of being in Milk’s public life proved too overwhelming. Lira’s death by suicide added another layer of grief to Milk’s life, further strengthening his resolve to continue fighting.
Breaking Barriers in Politics
Milk’s political career began with multiple defeats. Campaigns for city supervisor in 1973 and 1975 and a run for the California State Assembly in 1976 all ended in failure. But in 1977, after the city moved to district-based elections, Milk finally won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. This victory made him the first openly gay man elected to major public office in California and one of the first in the United States.
At City Hall, Milk encountered Dan White, a fellow supervisor who had served as both a police officer and a firefighter. Their professional relationship was complicated from the start. White, a conservative and family man, struggled to understand Milk’s progressive views and growing influence. Still, they maintained a cordial rapport. Milk was even invited to attend the christening of White’s child.
Tensions escalated when White requested Milk’s support in blocking the construction of a psychiatric facility in his district. In exchange, he hinted at backing Milk’s proposed ordinance for gay rights. Milk declined, concerned about the effects on vulnerable youth. Feeling betrayed, White cast the lone vote against the ordinance.
The Fight Against Proposition 6
Milk turned his focus toward a statewide issue. Proposition 6, introduced by conservative senator John Briggs, aimed to ban openly gay teachers and their supporters from working in California public schools. It echoed the broader conservative movement that had already succeeded in repealing gay rights laws in other parts of the country, notably through Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” campaign in Florida.
Milk launched a passionate campaign to defeat the proposition. With public speeches, rallies, and strategic organizing, he worked to build coalitions and educate the public. On November 7, 1978, voters struck down the proposition. For Milk and his supporters, the victory represented more than a political win—it was a validation of their humanity.
Meanwhile, Dan White found himself politically and personally adrift. His push for a salary increase for supervisors gained little traction, and following the proposition vote, he resigned from the Board of Supervisors. Almost immediately, he attempted to reverse the decision. However, Mayor Moscone, advised by Milk and others, declined to reinstate him.
Tragedy at City Hall
On November 27, 1978, Dan White returned to City Hall. He entered through a basement window, evading metal detectors, and armed with a revolver. Inside, he confronted Mayor Moscone, who again refused his reinstatement. White drew his weapon and shot the mayor multiple times, killing him.
White then proceeded to Harvey Milk’s office. In a calculated and deliberate act, he shot Milk five times, the final bullet delivered at close range. The film suggests that Milk had long feared this kind of outcome and that he may have suspected White harbored personal conflicts about his own identity—though this remains speculation.
A Legacy Remembered
The final moments of the film are devoted to remembrance. That night, thousands gathered for a candlelight vigil, their silent procession winding through the streets of San Francisco. They walked not only for the two men lost, but for the larger cause they represented.
Photographs and epilogues reveal the fates of the real individuals portrayed in the film, underscoring the reality behind the dramatization. Harvey Milk’s impact had reached far beyond San Francisco. His story became a symbol for justice, equality, and the right to be heard.
Though his time in public office was brief, Milk’s influence endured. His willingness to be open, to speak up, and to challenge injustice changed the course of LGBTQ+ history in America. He had once said that hope would never be silent. His life, and the movement he inspired, proved that to be true.